United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admitted the Reds were a touch lucky in their 2-1 over Southampton and said a poor pitch didn't help.

Sir Alex Ferguson stood by the old maxim that a win is a win as Manchester United struggled to a nervy 2-1 success against Southampton.

And the Reds boss said Old Trafford’s dry pitch didn’t help his unconvincing side as they opened up a seven-point gap over title rivals City.

United went behind to a third-minute Southampton goal by Jay Rodriguez but had turned the game around by the 27th-minute with two goals from Wayne Rooney.

But after going ahead, the Reds ended the match hanging on by the skin of their teeth as the Saints dominated the second period.

“We have won the game. That is the one thing we can take out of it,” declared Sir Alex.

“Winning is the name of the game at this stage of the season. My experience of this club, when you are going for championships, there is always a game where you can say we were a bit lucky. This was one of those nights.

“For the first 30 minutes I thought we were fantastic, we played really well.

But in the second half Southampton have been the best team to play here this season. We were fortunate to win the game.

“In the second-half the players found the pitch impossible. We tried to play the way we normally play. We found it difficult because the pitch has dried out a lot. It was a nice cold night and it happens. It (the pitch) is a worry.

“In the first-half we lost an early goal but it didn't deter us from playing some fantastic football. We could have been four or five up at half-time.

“But once the pitch started to dry out, the players found it difficult to play a different way. It required us to play the ball in the gaps, which we don't normally do.

“We found it difficult to play on. Southampton won a lot of 50-50s as our players looked to take a touch. We watered the pitch before the game but once it dried out in the second half it became difficult.

“They pushed right on top of us and didn't give us time to settle. On that surface, where players are wanting to take a touch and play football it is difficult.

“We can't use that as an excuse but it didn't help us.”

Rooney took his recent haul to four goals in the last three starts since he returned from his knee injury problem.

“I said at the time if he, Robin and Javier could get 20 goals each we are in business,” added Reds boss.

United needed Rooney’s double blast after a soft opener was conceded.

Michael Carrick’s weak back pass put David de Gea on the spot and the Spanish keeper couldn’t block out Rodriguez’s burst on to the loose ball. De Gea did, however, redeem himself later when he saved from a Rickie Lambert free-kick when the Reds were teetering.

“Michael’s back pass was soft and he held his hands up to it,” added Fergie.

“In fairness to us, we blocked a lot of shots. We got the headers in against them. We cleared our lines well. But that chance from the free-kick was a really good save.”

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